Strategic Research Directions for EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD)

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EPA’s Office of Research and Development requested Science Advisory Board advice on the strategic directions for its research program for the next five to fifteen years. This activity complements the annual SAB review of EPA's research budget, and permits a more critical evaluation of research programs than is possible during the research budget review. It also gives EPA additional time to incorporate SAB advice into the longer term research planning process that informs each year's budget preparation activity.

The Agency charge asks for advice on the alignment of EPA research and development program directions with the strategic priorities identified by EPA's operating programs and Regional Offices; coordination of research planning within ORD and across EPA; coordination of research planning with environmental science programs of other government agencies; and whether EPA research is positioned to provide critical scientific support to EPA and the nation on emerging issues.